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All Singapore 'The River Merchants'

'The River Merchants'

These bronze statues depict the early days of trading in Singapore.

Singapore

Added By
KanaKiseki
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The River Merchants   Bernard Spragg
The River Merchants   Bernard Spragg
Left to right: Malay Chief, Chinese trader, Alexander Laurie Johnston   Stephen Abraham
The River Merchants (2003) by Aw Tee Hong near Cavenagh Bridge, Singapore.   Sengkang
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In Boat Quay, bronze statues fashioned by Aw Tee Hong in 2003 encapsulate an antiquated routine for merchants and laborers of early Singapore. These statues depict a Chinese trader, a Malay chief, a famous merchant Alexander Laurie Johnston, and men loading sacks onto a cart. The sculptures are located along the river and the former site of Johnston’s warehouse. 

Johnston, a prominent Scottish businessman and merchant, is seen mediating with the Chinese trader and Malay chief. Hong captures and highlights the multiculturalism integral to Singapore’s identity, showing how diverse the trading community is. Adjacent to these men, a homage is paid to the low-wage laborers of the time. These men, often of Chinese or Indian origin, were vital in traversing the trade routes along the river. 

As Johnston was one of the earliest British settlers in Singapore, he was among the first magistrates appointed by Sir Stamford Raffles. Serving as one of the Trustees of the Singapore Institution, Johnston established A. L. Johnston & Co. in 1820, making his mark as an active member of the mercantile community. The Scotsman became a founding member of Singapore’s Chamber of Commerce in 1837, helping the nation become one of the most important trading hubs in the world. 

The artist behind these statues, Aw Tee Hong, was a prominent Singaporean artist known for his paintings and sculptures. He immortalizes Singapore’s heritage, focusing on the country’s humble beginnings as a fishing village and its evolution into a modern metropolis.

Related Tags

Public Art Art Outside History & Culture Fishing Statues Bronze

Know Before You Go

The closest station is Raffles Place MRT. The statues are in front the Fullerton Hotel, overlooking the Singapore river, and just before entering the Cavenagh Bridge. 

Community Contributors

Added By

KanaKiseki

Edited By

Collector of Experiences, Michelle Cassidy

  • Collector of Experiences
  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

April 8, 2024

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Sources
  • https://www.linsfood.com/river-merchants-boat-quay-statues/
  • https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/landmarks/civic-district-public-art-trail/the-river-merchants
'The River Merchants'
2 Battery Rd
049908
Singapore
1.286176, 103.852484

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